Taken from the book:

“Measured in the position as shown in the photograph, Miranda measures 11 1/2 inches from the end of her tail to her elbow. From the top of her head to the elbow, she measures 8 inches. It is always better to make the body and tail too long rather than too short, as according to legend mermaids are beautiful, long-tailed creatures.

The body-shape was fashioned from strong but pliable wire, and this was then bound with long thin strips of soft padding. Next, she was well wrapped with soft pink yarn to keep the padding in place, to make the body firmer and to shape the contours more precisely.“